- Works Minister David Umahi urges Bodo-Bonny communities to support Tinubu’s second-term bid.
- He says continuity of the administration will ensure completion.
- The Federal Government describes the road as a major economic lifeline for Niger Delta communities.
- Community leaders say the project ends decades of isolation for the oil-rich coastal area.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged the people of Bodo and Bonny communities in Rivers State to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, stating that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of the second phase of the Bodo-Bonny Road project.
Umahi made the statement on Friday in Abuja during a Medallion Award presentation organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee.
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The minister described the road project as a critical infrastructure linking coastal communities to the mainland, adding that the Federal Government considers it a major national priority.
Umahi was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, who emphasized that the road would unlock significant economic opportunities for the region.
“The road is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion,” Goronyo said.
“It connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doors for prosperity across the Niger Delta.”
He explained that the Tinubu administration remains committed to strengthening national connectivity through quality road infrastructure.
According to him, President Tinubu has already approved Phase Two of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, and the Ministry of Works is ready to begin implementation.
“The ministry is ready. We are putting pen on paper to start work immediately,” he said.
However, Umahi noted that the communities should also show support for the administration, stressing that continuity in governance would help sustain the project’s progress.
“So you must make sure that you rally around Mr. President to ensure continuity of this project so that by 2027 when President Bola Tinubu comes back, this project will continue,” he said.
He also emphasized that the president is committed to national unity and inclusive development, regardless of regional or ethnic differences.
“This is to tell you that Mr. President loves everybody in this country, whether you are from the north, south, east, or west. He is a president for all and one who believes in the unity of this nation,” he added.
Community Leaders React
Earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Bodo-Bonny Road Project Award Ceremony, Professor Jasper Jumbo, said the project represents the fulfillment of a long-standing dream for the communities.
According to him, the people had waited for about 38 years for the project to gain serious momentum.
He described the occasion as a moment of reflection, recognition, and celebration of a transformational vision that is finally becoming reality.
Jumbo explained that despite being a globally significant hub for oil and gas activities, the Bodo-Bonny corridor had long remained physically disconnected from the Nigerian mainland, relying mainly on water transportation.
“This disconnect posed challenges not only to commerce and industry but also to the daily lives, safety and aspirations of our people,” he said.
He added that progress began when stakeholders worked together to overcome earlier challenges that stalled the project, including difficulties faced by the initial contractor, Messrs Gitto Construction.
Community leaders and stakeholders eventually collaborated with government officials to resolve obstacles and push the project forward.
Jumbo also commended the Minister of Works for facilitating the approval of Phase Two, which will connect the coastal communities to the East-West Road, a major transport corridor in the Niger Delta.
“We are indeed amazed at this marvelous accommodation of our dreams and request,” he said.
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